Breaking down the top five individual performers from the NFL's divisional playoff weekend:

Colin Kaepernick, QB, 49ers. Kaepernick rushed for an NFL quarterback record 181 yards and two touchdowns, adding 263 yards passing and two more scores in a 45-31 win over Green Bay. The second-year sensation was able to overcome a rocky start—an interception returned 52 yards for a Packers touchdown—to overwhelm their defense with his arm and legs. The 444 yards of total offense was one of the most dazzling playoff debuts in league history.

If the 2013 NFL playoffs have an MVP at the midway point, it might be 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick. (AP Photo)

Shane Vereen, RB, Patriots. He danced through the Texans' defense for 124 yards from scrimmage and three of New England's five touchdowns in the 41-28 rout. Vereen saw limited action in the regular season, but his speed and versatility became a big part of Sunday's game when Danny Woodhead hurt his thumb early. Expect Vereen to get more touches in the AFC title game vs. Baltimore.

Torrey Smith, WR, Ravens. Smith burned top Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey all day in Baltimore's 38-35 double-overtime upset, and had first-half touchdown grabs of 59 and 32 yards to show for it. His speed down the boundary should be a valuable asset in the matchup with the Patriots. He, Anquan Boldin and Jacoby Jones have teamed up to help make Joe Flacco one sizzling playoff quarterback.

Trindon Holliday, PR/KR, Broncos. Holliday started with a bang against the Ravens with his 90-yard punt return touchdown to open the scoring. He later set a record by returning the opening second-half kickoff 104 yards for another TD. Baltimore finally caught on and made sure he didn't beat its coverage unit the rest of the way, and Denver couldn't find enough offense to put the game away.

Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks. Seattle almost pulled out an amazing 20-point fourth-quarter comeback with Wilson at the controls before falling to the Falcons, 30-28. He threw for an NFL rookie record 385 yards and two touchdowns in his second playoff game, adding 60 yards and another TD rushing. It's rare that a quarterback comes out of a playoff loss with so much praise, but with his rallying performances against Washington and Atlanta, the remainder of Wilson's career is full of promise.